Arnold Expecting Cracking Valentine's Day Spectacle

Sydney FC Head Coach Graham Arnold is predicting another showpiece event as the Sky Blues prepare to face Melbourne Victory on Valentine’s Day at Allianz Stadium, five years on from Sydney FC’s Premiership win against the same opposition.

Arnold has called for consistency from the Sky Blues after scoring eight goals in their previous two matches as he challenged his squad to continue their attacking displays of recent matches.

“We’ve had two great contests against Victory with the two draws, nil all and 3-3 down in Melbourne,” he said.

“That was a cracking game and I don’t expect any different on Saturday night. Kevin Muscat is doing a good job down there playing great attacking football and they’ve got some power up front but so do we.

“We’ve scored 8 goals in our last two games and I’m expecting a cracking spectacle. With 11 games to go there’s still a lot of points available.

“I think consistency wise they’ve been the best team in the competition this season and that’s what we have to do is raise our consistency,” he continued.

“Our performances over the last few rounds have been exceptionally good and now the challenge for us is to back that up again this weekend and put in a performance like we have the last two.”

With Nikola Petkovic and Jacques Faty suspended, Arnold has a selection decisions to make as he hinted at Sebastian Ryall and Matthew Jurman assuming the centre back roles vacated by the suspended duo.

“Jurman and Ryall will train today for the first time together,” Arnold said.

“We’ll do a tactical session today and see where they’re at. I expect both of them to pretty much start.

“You’re not bringing in kids who are making their debuts though. Seb has won two Championships, Matty has won two Championships and Seb has 150 A-League games under his belt, Jurman has around 100 as well, so they’re two experienced players.

“The only question mark is their fitness, Seb has been out for four weeks and this is the first time he’ll train tactically with the team. He’s been training for 10 days but we’ll see how he pulls up today,” he continued.

“After analysing the Perth Glory game last week when Aaron Calver went back into central defence with Matty Jurman for the last 20 minutes when we were down to nine men they both did an exceptional job so it gives me something else to think about as well.”

Sydney FC take on the Melbourne Victory at Allianz Stadium in a Valentine’s Day rematch (kick off 7:30pm). Purchase your tickets today or become a Member and ensure you don’t miss a moment of action this Hyundai A-League season.

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